About

The GLBT Library is proud to debut the new zine collection! These new materials in the library offer an intimate and alternative voice from the queer community.

What are zines?
Zines are self-published, low-circulating works that include both text and image. The term is an abbreviation of “fanzine” or “magazine” and is unlimited in the scope of its contents. Zines can include poetry and prose, political commentary, photography, drawings, collages, and just about anything else.

Our new zine collection!Though Thomas Paine’s Common Sense (1775) has been cited as a precursor, modern zines have a stronger connection to DIY (do-it-yourself) cultures. Because of this, zine creators are often interested in topics such as social justice, feminism, sexuality, media, and identity, among others.

Since zines have no standard format (often made my photocopies, appropriation, and staples), essentially anyone can make one. This offers the possibility of disseminating an alternative democratic voice, free from censorship by major publishing companies. Queer folks, historically oppressed by mainstream authorities, have taken advantage of this medium as a platform for sharing their beliefs and experiences.

Since zines are typically limited in their number of copies, the GLBT Library’s collection will be non-circulating. This policy is to ensure the preservation of these rare items and to offer everyone the opportunity to check them out. If you’re interested in photocopying the zines or borrowing them for a presentation, please consult the GLBT Library Coordinator to make arrangements at glbtlib@indiana.edu.

We’ll be featuring new zines on our Twitter, so be sure to follow us @GLBTlibrary!

The GLBT Library is currently working on some programs in conjunction with the “inauguration” of this collection — stay tuned! (Especially if you’re interested in making zines!)